Greetings from Erich!

Hello All,
My name is Erich N. Pitcher and I am a new staff person at SmokeFree WI. I am very excited to join the team here at SFW as a Policy & Grassroots Specialist. Originally from Ohio I completed my undergraduate training at Antioch College. In keeping with Antioch’s rich history of producing activists and community organizers, I am here to ensure Wisconsin becomes a Smoke-free state. This issue is of interest to me because my mother experienced a major health crisis caused by her own smoking as well as a career working in smoking environments. It is my belief that if Ohio was smoke –free many years ago, she would have quit earlier and it would have had a significant impact on her health. For my mother and for everyone else who has lost or almost lost a loved one I am dedicated to this cause.

Erich N. Pitcher

Hi! My name is Emily Reynolds.

Hi! My name is Emily Reynolds and I am one of the new additions to the SFW staff as a Policy and Grassroots Specialist. I recently moved to Madison from Washington, DC where I worked as a grassroots organizer. I graduated in 2004 from Illinois State University with a double major in Political Science and Public Relations. I’m looking forward to helping Wisconsin communities follow my home state of Illinois in going smoke-free. I am very passionate about this critical health issue, and am excited to be a part of the SFW team!

Middleton Goes Smoke-free!

Last night the Middleton Common Council voted to make Middleton smoke-free! The comprehensive ordinance includes restaurants (which were already smoke-free since 1996), taverns, and all other public buildings. For waitresses, bartenders, and Middleton residents, the air just got a lot clearer.

A few highlights:

• No exemptions
• Taverns included
• 6-2 voting margin
• March 15, 2009 start date

Prior to the vote, Smoke Free Middleton delivered the council a petition with more than 450 signatures in support of the ban. Citizens who spoke were 4-1 in favor of the ordinance.

Let's hear it for a Wisconsin community and council supporting clean, safe air!

Prevention and Cessation Programs See Results

The Governor’s office released a statement announcing new statistics from a survey measuring adult tobacco use. Data comes from the 2007 Wisconsin Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, a telephone survey of residents age 18 and older. Here are a few highlights:

• Adult smoking prevalence: 19.6 percent (down from 24 percent in 2000)
• National average: 20 percent
  

The governor also announced that since January 1, when the cigarette tax went into effect, a record 20,000 people have called The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line (800-QUIT-NOW).

Eau Claire goes smoke-free today

Beginning today, all workplaces in Eau Claire, including all restaurants and bars, will be 100% smoke-free indoors. We've heard from smoke-free air supporters who are celebrating around town in their neighborhoods and some bars have already set out the welcome mat. Clear Air Eau Claire advocates will be gathering for 2-for-1 burgers and 1/2 price appetizers at the Northwoods Pub tonight between 4:30-8:00. Stop by and remember to tell staff and management you're out because of the clear air!

We want to hear your story about why you're glad Eau Claire is going smoke-free. Click here to send us your thoughts.